Unique Birthstone Jewelry

Agate is the Mystical birthstone for September.
It is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Gemini.
The following list shows all the other birthstone tables in
which agate appears as either a birth/natal stone or as the
stone for a given zodiac or astrological sign.

The word Agate comes from the Greek name for
a stone originally found in the Achates River in Sicily (currently
known as Drillo River). Agate has been found with the remains
of Stone Age man in France from as early as 20,000-16,000
B.C. and the Egyptians used agates prior to 3000 B.C. for
talismans, amulets, seals, rings and vessels. Early civilizations
used eye beads to protect them from evil and bring good luck.
They created eye beads by carving a hole through an agate
disc.

Although agate is found all over the world,
the most exceptional specimens come from Southern Brazil and
Northern Uruguay. However, the moss agates of Colorado and
Montana are equal in beauty and some beautiful specimens have
been found in Mexico and California, U.S. A geode type of
agate, called "Thunder Egg" by Native American Indians,
is found in Oregon. Fire agates come from Mexico and Arizona.
Commercial deposits exist in China, Mexico, India, Madagascar,
and the U.S. along the shores of Lake Superior agates are
found all over the world where highly pressurized hot water
rich in silica filled crevices and vugs.

The outer surface of an agate is rough, pitted
and ugly. It masks the beauty of the crystal inside. However,
the crust is weak and somewhat fragile and over centuries
it is washed away allowing the gemstone to be discovered along
rivers and streams.

PROPERTIES:

Agate is a microcrystalline variety of chalcedony,
6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, which occur in nodular masses in
volcanic lava rocks. They form in concentric layers and fill
cavities in a host rock. The results are round nodules bands
similar to tree trunks and may appear as eyes, scallops, or
as landscapes with dendrites that look like trees. This last
type is called Tree Agate or Moss Agate. Many fossils are
actually agatized material that replaced an organic substance
such as wood. Many varieties of petrified wood are used for
jewelry an ornamental purposes because the original structure
has been replaced with agate.

COLOR:

Agate occurs in most colors including black,
gray, brown, reddish, green, pink, blue, and yellow from transparent
to opaque. Today, many of these stones are artificially dyed
to enhance the depth of color and to produce more vivid tones
than those found in nature. The stone in this pendant is not
dyed and shows the dramatic coloring found
in Montana agates.

VARIETIES:

There are thousands of localities worldwide
where agate specimens have been found, many of these are named
for the locality. Some areas with exceptionally beautiful
specimens have been depleted by over mining, but because agate
is so common there are usually several new discoveries each
year. The following is only a partial listing of the most
commonly known varieties:

The hobby of collecting bowls made of agate
was popular during the renaissance and this activity was responsible
for the growth of the lapidary industry near Idar-Oberstein
in Germany. Although agate beds were originally found in that
area, most of the local deposits were depleted in the nineteenth
century and the majority of agate coming out of the shops
in Idar-Oberstein today are imported from Brazil.

Many Gem and Mineral shows sponsor old time
rock hounds that bring hundreds of geodes to break open with
a specially made tool that "pops" the geode open
leaving the internal material undamaged. Crowds that gather
at his booth pay a few dollars in hopes of owning a beautiful
specimen full of amethyst or citrine crystals. Agate geodes
can be very small (as small as a fruit seed) or very large.
The largest geode ever mined was found in Brazil and weighed
almost two tons.

Besides its use in jewelry, vessels, and ornamental
objects, children's marbles were once made of agate and were
called "aggies" in reference to their composition.

Legends, Myths and Healing Properties:

Ancient civilizations believed that wearing
agate would make them invisible, thus protecting them from
danger. Farmers used agates to ensure good crops. Romans wore
agate to please the gods that would bring an abundant harvest.
In Persia, agate was worn to confer eloquence and magicians
used the crystal to divert dangerous storms. In ancient Asia,
agates were used to see the future. Early Britons used the
gem to prevent skin disease. Agate talismans were worn in
the Middle East to keep the blood healthy. Sucking on an agate
was thought to relieve thirst. Another legend says that any
person who looks upon an agate can not remain secretive and
is obligated to tell the truth.

Agate is said to have mystical powers to guard
one against danger, to cure insomnia, to ensure pleasant dreams
and to help with clarity enabling one to see the world through
a broader perspective. It attracts good fortune, increases
concentration and promotes good will. Agate is reported to
be an aid in overcoming flaws, fears, and loneliness. It is
believed to remove curses and spells and helps to eliminate
bad luck. Many believe that agate has a calming effect during
times of stress and that it gives a sense of strength and
courage. It is thought to stimulate fertility and to be advantageous
in relieving bone marrow ailments and allergies. Artists and
writers have used agate to enhance creativity.

For centuries agate was known as a powerful
healer, a bringer of good fortune and wealth. Hindu mystics
believe that agate helps children overcome fears.

Because agate has been known and regarded around
the world for thousands of years, its beneficial and healing
properties are diverse and almost innumerable. Only some of
the reputed benefits found in literature are listed below: